Who’s paying for our growing communities?

I commend reporter Adam Belz for his April 11 article in which he openly laid out a major concern for the future of our city and hundreds more across the country: How do we continue to grow our city borders and yet find the funds to pay for and maintain that expansion? To quote the article, subdivision expansion costs money.

Who's picking up the tab? States and local governments are becoming increasingly strapped for funds. Fewer dollars are chasing more projects, yet we continue to add to the miles of roads our city must maintain.

The state of our roads is just the most visible sign of this escalating problem; we also must consider our aging underground infrastructure. The Iowa Department of Transportation projects a $27 billion shortfall over the next 30 years. We better start asking ourselves some hard questions. If the American dream still involves a new home on a large lot in a new subdivision, then let's at least ask what the true cost is on local government.

On Thursday, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 4 to 7 p.m. at the Crowne Plaza Five Seasons Hotel, the city will preview a hybrid concept for the future look and design of Cedar Rapids based on public feedback from February open houses. Urban Design Principles will set new standards that will impact how our community looks and feels for years to come. Please attend if able and voice any concerns or agreement with the concept.

Michael Tertinger

Cedar Rapids Planning Commission